What to Buy

Shopping in Japan is a doorway to new discoveries, from traditional arts and crafts to the newest wrinkles in high-tech consumer products. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Pearls: Pearls come in a great variety of sizes, shapes and colors. The price depends on the regularity, size and luster.

Electric and Electronic Appliances:Transistor radios, mini- TV sets, CD players, personal computers, VCRs, video cameras, tape recorders, stereo and hi-fi equipment, digital clock radios, and pocket-size electronic calculators are obtainable anywhere in Japan. All items enjoy a worldwide name for their high quality and precision.

Cameras and Optical Goods: Cameras, both still and movie models, plus lenses and accessories as well as binoculars, microscopes and telescopes are a good deal.

Watches and Clocks: Seiko and Citizen timepieces are popular items in the arcade of leading hotels and in jewelers as well as department stores.

Arts and Crafts: Local products are also a good, memorable souvenir. Almost every resort has its own unique arts and crafts handed down from generation to generation.

Bamboo Ware: Bamboo grows in ali parts of Japan and is widely utilized in making ornaments and domestic articles. Dolls: Japanese dolls come in many kinds, each showing the features of a locality or a certain age in history.

Folding Fans: Fans used in Japanese dancing are aftractive in their coiorful designs.

Kimono & Obi: Elaborate techniques of dyeing, embroidery and weaving are called for in making the Kimono and Obi. Lacquer Ware: Lacquer ware excels in durability and in the elaborate care which is put into its making.

Lanterns: Paper lanterns produced in Gifu Prefecture are of the kind for use during the summer season when they are hung over the verandas.

Pottery: Plates, vases and tea utensils as well as highly artis- tic articles are popular souvenir items, Cloisonne: Japanese cloisonnL& work boasts of its jewel-like glifter and high artistry of design.

Damascene: The charm lies in the intricate, gorgeous design depicted with gold and silver foil inlaid on the surface of black steel.

Silk Goods: Japanese silk is superior in quality. The high skill in dyeing and the originality of pafterns give an unparal- leled beauty to the Japanese silk goods.

Woodblock Prints: Color prints showing the life and scenery of present-day Japan have been gaining favor with collec- tors both at home and abroad.